A terapia ocupacional na reabilitação do idoso portador de alzheimer

Abstract

Alzheimer is a progressive degenerative disease which usually affects elderly people, and it is the most common type of dementia, about 56%. Its prevalence affects approximately 5% of individuals over 65 years old and 20% of those older than 80 years old. Occupational Therapy (OT) aims to assist in the individuals' rehabilitation, regaining their autonomy and functionality to perform daily activities, maintaining their health and well-being. This study discusses the importance of this professional in the rehabilitation process of Alzheimer patients. So, the OT works developing a treatment plan focusing the individuals’ enthusiasm in their involvement in daily living activities (DLAs) and practical life activities (PLAs). It aims to maintain and prevent functional, motor, perceptual and cognitive skills which Alzheimer patients will progressively lose. It seeks to promote home adaptation, increasing the participation and independence in feeding, personal care, communication, clothing, bathing, self-care and leisure. These activities increasingly become impaired due to the disease progression. It can be seen that the number of Alzheimer patients is increasingly growing, who suffer with physical, functional and mental changes, altering their lives and their families. Therefore, Occupational Therapy appears to facilitate the individuals to live as independently as possible in their aging process, offering better quality of life.